WHAT YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE ENROLLING

IN A CFA REVIEW PROGRAM

        Q.  How experienced is CFA the instructor(s)?

        A.  Ron Quintero (see Ron Quintero’s Qualifications), who teaches most of the sessions, has by a large margin, taught more CFA review programs over the past 10 years than any CFA instructor in the world.  Those sessions that he does not teach are taught by experienced instructors (see RGQ&Co. Faculty) who have an average of ten years of CFA training experience.

        Q.  Are sessions taught by instructors who have expertise in the sessions that they teach?

        A.  A common practice of other CFA training organizations is to have a single instructor teach an entire program.  This means that students are taught by an instructor who may be good in some areas, acceptable in others, and poor in some.  The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  All sessions of RGQ&Co. programs are taught by experienced CFA trainers who are functional experts in the sessions that they teach.

Q.  What is the size of the average class?

        A. Studies have found that students who attend small classes perform substantially better in standardized tests than students in large classes.  Reasons for the discrepancy include more attention from the instructor, greater ability to ask questions, bonding with instructor and fellow students, increased attentiveness when instructor is closer and looking more often at each student, and reduced absenteeism.  RGQ&Co. students generally have 15 – 35 students.  By offering several classes (see Programs and Class Schedules), we are able to keep classes small.

        Q.  What is the policy for making up or repeating classes?

        A.  You can make up or repeat sessions at no incremental cost, taking advantage of our wide range of classes.  This includes the intensive-review programs in April and May.

        Q.  Which study aids will I receive?

        A. We provide our candidates the most complete package of review materials available in the New York area.  Candidates in our weekly classes receive the Schweser Study Notes, the Q-Notes (obtain a sample of the Q-Notes at __________), and SchweserOnline.  Students in our other programs receive the Schweser Study Notes and the Q-Notes.

        Q.  How much does the class cost?

        A.  Our programs range in price from $995 to $1,295, depending upon which seminar is selected (see Tuition).  There are also special discounts for RGQ&Co. and SCFAS alumni, candidates who are repeating a level, candidates who already have the Schweser Study Notes, candidates who are transferring from other programs, and SCFAS members.

        Q.  Are there any hidden costs other than the course fee?

        A. There are no registration fees, charges for study materials, sales taxes, shipping charges, or other charges besides the tuition.

        Q.  Do you offer any special discounts?  We offer discounts for RGQ&Co. alumni, candidates who are repeating a level, candidates who already have the Schweser Study Notes, candidates who are transferring from other programs, and SCFAS members. We also apply a $100 credit against the tuition of groups of three or more who register together and who are not eligible for any other credits (credits must be requested at the time of registration).  Corporate discounts are available for organizations with at least five registered candidates (call (212) 505-9743 for further information.  In some instances, tuition is only slightly more than the retail price of the Schweser Study Notes and SchweserOnline program that candidates receive as part of their enrollment.

        Q.  What if I don’t like the class?

        A.  Not likely to occur.  We have never had a student withdraw from our classes other than occasional candidates who find that their schedule will not permit them to sit for the CFA exam in the year that they are registered.  However, if you were to withdraw prior to the third class, you would be charged only for the Schweser product(s) that you had received.

        Q.  Can I attend a class before deciding to enroll?

        A.  Yes.  Call our offices at (212) 505-9743 to arrange a free trial.

        Q.  Am I able to contact an instructor if I have questions?

        A.  Yes.  Students receive telephone and/or email addresses of all of our instructors.  Instructors are generally available before and after classes to answer questions.

        Q.  Where are the classes held?

        A.  We go to great pains to make the classes convenient for you.  Our New York City classes are held at the Williams Club just 3 blocks from Grand Central Station.  We also have programs at all three levels in Stamford, Connecticut.

        Q.  Do your offer seminars at all three levels?

        A.  Yes.  A strong indicator of program quality is whether the organization offers programs at all three levels.  Some of our competitors do not.  Level I candidates may walk into the door just because of the marketing power of the organization, but Level II and III candidates are more discerning.  More than 85% of our Level II and Level III candidates are our former students or candidates who joined us as a result of referrals.  Even our Level I candidates join largely based on referrals.

        Q.  Have you ever cancelled a CFA review program?

        A.  No.  We may be the only major provider of CFA training programs that can make that statement.  We realize that candidates who enroll in our programs are depending on us.  We will (and have) run a class at a loss before we will disappoint our students.

        Q.  Do you offer a practice exam?

        A.  Yes.  RGQ&Co., in conjunction with the Stamford CFA Society, provides the only means in the New York area for taking the annual exam developed by the Boston Security Analysts Society that has been offered on a worldwide basis for several years.  This examination is developed by a team of experts that works year-round to ensure that the exam contains challenging questions that are relevant to the current year’s readings.  Our students have told us that this exam resembles the actual exam more closely than any of the commercially available tests or test banks.  You can take the exam in a live-test setting, or you can purchase it from us and take it in the comfort of your own home.

        Q.  Can I obtain credit applicable to my annual CPE credit as a CPA?

        A.  Yes.  We are registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.